Running with a stroller seems to reduce the risk of injuries
Pushing a pram while running may reduce the force produced with each foot strike, decreasing the risk of injuries
Running with a stroller or pram while exercising may decrease the likelihood of injuries such as ankle pain and calf muscle damage, according to a recent study. A survey of 196 parents who had children under the age of 3 found that those who ran with a pram had a 37% lower risk of injury compared to 53 parents who ran without one.
This reduced risk may be due to changes in the forces exerted on the legs when pushing a stroller, leading to a lower vertical impact force and less strain on the calf muscles, foot arches, and Achilles tendon. Researchers suggest that slower running speeds and shorter strides while pushing a stroller could contribute to this protective effect, as they produce less force at each foot strike.
While the study provides valuable insights, it is important to consider future research with a more balanced gender representation and longer-term data collection to fully understand the impact of pram running on injury risk.
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